Lando Norris has shaken the Formula 1 world with his recent statements about Max Verstappen. In an interview with BBC Sport, the British McLaren driver said he considers himself better than the three-time world champion, and even legends like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. This bold statement, which demonstrates Norris’s self-belief, sparked heated discussions among fans and pundits. But it was Verstappen’s response in the press conference after the Canadian Grand Prix that put Norris on the spot, further fueling the rivalry between the two drivers.
Over the past two seasons, Norris, who now has six F1 races under his belt, has had the opportunity to experience Verstappen up close and personal. In his early years at McLaren, Norris often had to watch from the sidelines as Verstappen dominated Red Bull, while his own car wasn’t competitive enough to challenge at the front. From 2023 onwards, however, McLaren began a sharp rise, with Norris regularly finishing on the podium. In 2024 and 2025, McLaren’s car improved further, allowing Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri to finally engage in real duels with Verstappen. In 2024, in particular, this led to some spectacular duels, and by 2025, Verstappen was the McLaren duo’s main rival in the championship battle.
Norris has gained confidence thanks to his team’s performance. In an interview with the BBC, he explained why he ranks above Verstappen: “I believe I can drive faster and perform better than everyone else on the grid. You have to believe that to be here. To achieve that level of performance is incredibly difficult, regardless of the car or the opponent. I may sometimes find it difficult to say it, but I wouldn’t be the best for the best.” These words speak to Norris’ ambition, but they were also seen by many as a direct challenge to Verstappen, who has been the benchmark in Formula 1 for years.
Verstappen, known for his outspokenness and direct approach, didn’t let Norris’s comments go unanswered. At a press conference after the Canadian Grand Prix, where Verstappen once again gave a masterclass in keeping Norris in his lap, he asked a simple but devastating question: “If you’re so confident in your speed, why haven’t you won a race against me yet this season?” Silence fell in the room, and Norris, sitting next to him, seemed speechless. This question cut short Norris’s confident statements and revealed the reality: despite McLaren’s progress, Verstappen has yet to lose the head-to-head confrontation with Norris in 2025.
The rivalry between Norris and Verstappen is one of the most intriguing topics of the current F1 season. Norris’s comments reflect the mentality of a driver who finally has the means to challenge for the title, while Verstappen’s reaction underscores his unparalleled consistency and mental strength. Fans enthusiastically followed the exchange, some praising Norris for his courage, others supporting Verstappen for his proven success. Reactions poured in on social media, ranging from statements of support for Norris’s ambition to jokes about Verstappen’s ruthless response.
With much of the season including crucial races like the British and Belgian Grands Prix, the battle between Norris and Verstappen promises to be more intense. The McLaren is faster than ever this year, and Norris has already demonstrated his ability to secure pole positions and wins. Yet, Verstappen remains a tough opponent with his 60 career wins and unparalleled driving talent. Norris’s confidence is admirable, but as Verstappen’s question painfully demonstrated, he has yet to translate it into concrete results against the Dutchman.
For Norris, it’s a chance to prove his words are not empty. For Verstappen, it’s a reminder: despite growing competition, he remains the man to beat. The Formula 1 world eagerly awaits their next clash, where not only speed but also mental resilience will make the difference.
